Top 10 Benefits of Communication in the Workplace

The importance of good communication in the workplace cannot be overstated. Effective communication can have a significant impact on every aspect of a business, from culture and productivity to client relations and company growth. Here are the top 10 benefits of communication in the workplace.

Maintains workplace harmony

Open communication plays a key role in maintaining the status quo in the workplace. Workplaces are typically staffed with people of different races, cultures, beliefs, and personalities. With so many differences it's natural that conflict will arise from time to time. However, if there is a culture of open communication this can help to mitigate discord: people are more willing to listen to and voice opinions and this type of fluid dialogue can help to iron out any issues.

Increases employee engagement

Employee engagement is a perennial challenge for today's workplace. And while some businesses engage in all kinds of weird and wonderful tactics to boost engagement, they often overlook the basics. Open, day-to-day communication is the bedrock on which all other methods or ideas should be built on. In an environment of transparency and trust, employees have a clear understanding of their role and how it fits into the business and this is a critical step in ensuring they are engaged with their work and their managers.

Boosts productivity

Productivity can increase by 20% to 25% in companies where employees are connected, or in other words, where internal communications are working effectively. From a basic point of view, if employees don't have to seek out information or resources this saves considerable time. Ensuring all necessary information is readily available or provided to employees means they can get on with their job and ultimately more productive.

Encourages innovation

When employees are encouraged to be open with their ideas and opinions this can create the perfect environment for innovation to thrive. Being free to provide feedback and to finesses, ideas means workers feel comfortable thinking outside the box and voicing those ideas and strategies to their co-workers and managers.

Helps manage a diverse workplace

In a diverse workplace, good communication is one of the best ways to ensure everyone is on the same page. As well as helping to avoid conflict, effective communication will make sure all employees understand organizational policies on performance reviews and promotion. This, in turn, will ensure that minority workers will not feel like they've been overlooked or treated differently.

Improves crisis management

Clear and transparent communication is an essential tool for any business dealing with a crisis either internally or externally. In fact, without communication, a crisis can grow legs and have a broader effect on multiple departments and an organization's reputation. Proactive communication will help to reduce the impact situation and internally it will make sure that employees are unified in their responses.

Enhances team building

Team members need to trust each other if they are to work effectively together. Solid communication ground rules will help to build that trust and bring a team closer together. If there are clear guidelines on what is and what is not an acceptable way to communicate then all employees will know how to behave and how to blend as a team.

Increases inter-departmental cooperation

Keeping employees updated on work being done across an organization can make it easier for departments to collaborate and cooperate together on projects. Good internal communications where projects and achievements are recognized and highlighted means all departments have a better overview of what other departments are doing, and importantly, how they could potentially work together on future projects or developments.

Creates better client relationships

Companies that communicate well with their clients from the beginning of the relationship are in a good position to retain that client. Customers value an open and transparent relationship where they are kept up to date on any changes to their contract or relationship and where they feel their business is valued. Being able to effectively deal with concerns or issues clients have also come down to having the right communication strategy in place.

Generates a good public impression

A company that has a reputation for being good at communicating internally and with clients ultimately portrays a good public impression. These companies are showing they have nothing to hide and they are open and transparent in all aspects of their business. This can have a positive knock-on effect on recruitment, investment and company growth.